Happy Hands Preschoolers Raise $4,500 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Happy Hands Methodist Preschool recently wrapped up another successful school year, and the students have much to celebrate.

Together, nearly 100 students raised $4,544 as part of the , which took place on April 17 and 18. The school has raised more than $117,900 since the program began.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, is located in Memphis, TN, and has treated children from all over the United States as well as 70 other countries.

The Trike-A-Thon a week-long safety curriculum and fundraising program offered by St. Jude. After a week of safety lessons in the classroom, schools designate a day or two for children to bring their bikes and helmets for a 10-minute race, which is supported by pledges from family and friends.

Happy Hands students rode their bikes right outside of , with their parents counting laps and their teachers cheering them on.

“We at Happy Hands are proud to know that we are doing our part to aid St. Jude’s in their mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric diseases through research and treatment,” said Loryl Fisher, director of Happy Hands Preschool.

This year was particularly special for St. Jude, as it marks the hospital's 50th year in business. St. Jude is the only pediatric research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and no child is denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the support Happy Hands Preschool has given to St. Jude’s over the last 20 years,” Carol Whittinghill of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital said in a press release. “Their total donations over the years have paid for a single procedure. The children and staff should feel extremely proud of their accomplishments.”

The children were awarded with prizes based upon their fundraising success including t-shirts, backpacks and hand puppets.  Special prizes were awarded to students that completed the most laps and to those that raised the most money. 

Layla Topete, 5, of Woodridge, raised the most money for the school by collecting $500.

“I think it is a really good cause because helping the sick kids to get better as fast as possible is really important to me,” Topete said. “And riding my bike with my friends is also a lot of fun."

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